Outline: A moment’s thoughtlessness could have had fatal consequences. What the reporter told us: A bulk carrier had arrived at a major iron ore terminal and commenced loading without delay the previous evening. At approximately 06:27, loading of No2 hold was completed and the shoreside loader was relocated to the next hold. Moving the loader […]
Outline: A report highlighting dangerously unsafe practices by members of a ships’ crew. What the reporter told us: Disregarding recommendations for ladders to be stowed away from contamination and protected from UV damage, the pilot ladder had obviously been left on deck throughout the port stay and discharge of palm kernel expeller (PKE), as it […]
This month’s article has been written by a senior member of the New Zealand Maritime Pilots Association (NZMPA). Whilst some parts are specific to New Zealand the vast majority of the issues and points raised are applicable on a global basis. Equally, a large portion of the initiatives introduced by the NZMPA for implementation within […]
Pilots corner: This inaugural article in our new section has been written by a senior pilot For pilots one of the hot problem topics is pilot ladders and access. How do we tackle this? Locally my own port authority has a robust system for reporting and investigating non-compliant arrangements and are very supportive of pilots […]
Outline: An account of an unsafe towing practice observed aboard a harbour tug assisting a container vessel during a port manoeuvring operation. What the Reporter told us: The photograph shows a tug engaged in towing operations assisting a large container vessel during departure. Despite many incidents in the towing industry where watertight integrity has been […]
Outline: Report received from a member of the engine room crew on a ship where deliberate acts of pollution were allegedly carried out on a nightly basis. What the Reporter told us: I have observed every MARPOL violation on my ship. At night, the crew throw overboard every kind of waste oil, sludge, bilges, used […]
CHIRP continues to receive reports primarily from the yachting sector concerning unsafe working at height. These highlight practices where the potential for serious personal injury or even death are present. What the Reporter told us: Recently I witnessed several deck personnel on the yacht on our port side working at height without any safety […]
Several brief reports containing subject matter that CHIRP continues to receive with monotonous regularity. Why do these incidents continue to occur? We are not describing any complicated situations – common sense and a little thought would go such a long way to eliminate these types of reports. What the Reporter told us (1): […]
Outline: CHIRP has received several reports concerning removal of heat protection from engines including jacketed fuel lines, fuel pump covers and, in the report below, indicator cocks. This can lead to fuel spraying onto hot surfaces with a high risk of fire. What the Reporter told us: Recently, I noticed that indicator cock covers had […]
Outline: CHIRP has received several reports recently concerning main engines failing to start, and associated issues. What the reporters told us: Two separate reports where the main engine failed to go astern during final approach to the berth. Fully laden log carrier departing port and heading to China. When pulled off the wharf with tugs, […]